The Big Kiss

This post is dedicated to my friend, who is looking for a great kiss to help her ring in 2012.  You shall remain nameless :)  Oh, your makeup will look fly- just like you!

You have already made all the big decisions: where to go, what to wear and who to celebrate with.  Now it's time to have some fun with your makeup!  This is the night to try something fun, unexpected and perhaps outside your comfort zone.  I beg of you to leave the smokey eye, holiday lip color or frightful New Year's Eve glitter look behind.  Haven't you done that enough in 2011?

Try bold, colorful eyeliner and don't forget plenty of mascara and perhaps a set of lashes too ;)

Check out these amazing looks:

I want to die wearing this look!  How sexy is she?  Fierce black liner accented with emerald!!!

A bright and bold statement without trying too hard.  Gorgeous!  Just promise to keep the rest of your makeup simple and subtle.

Metallic (not glitter) with lashes, this just screams Happy New Year!

So here is to a great year, a great night and a great kiss ;)  Happy New Year.

A Natural Beauty

It't that time of year- stores open 24 hours (yuck), shopping lists a mile long, busy parking lots, grocery stores and just about everything else!  There is too much to do and not enough time. With consumption at an all-time high, I thought it might be nice to talk about taking something out- of your product that is.  Let's talk about using more natural products and less "stuff".  Here are some of my favorite "green" products.

Burt's Bees Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter
I have one of these in my purse, my car and my nightstand.  It is the best and it tastes good too:)

Organix Exfoliating Coconut Milk Body Scrub
This smells yummy and let's be serious: who couldn't use a really good exfoliation right now? Just don't forget to moisturize really well after.

Origins Reinventing the Heel
This heavy cream will help sooth dry cracked feet with shea butter.  Taking good care of your feet now will make sure they are ready for open toe season (I promise it will be here again).





I would love to here about your favorite natural beauty products- I love trying out new stuff!

Secret Weapon: Blush

Alright Kate, this one is for you (well maybe not just for you, but you did ask about blush).  In my opinion, and please note I have a very strong opinion about blush, every woman needs to wear about twice as much blush as she does, so pack it on ladies.  I say this especially with the drab and dull months of winter approaching.  Don't you think we could all use a little pick me up that doesn't cost $4.50 at Starbucks EVERYDAY?

Blush is the most under-utilized product used in a woman's cosmetic arsenal.  It has the ability to brighten up your face when you feel a little grey and it requires no touch ups during the day (unlike lipstick)!  If I could only use two beauty products every morning for the rest of my life, it would be mascara and blush.  Mascara to open the eyes and blush to brighten the face.  This takes 60 seconds to apply and I am out the door!

Let's talk colors.

Every woman needs two basic blushes- keep it simple.

1. Pink (think spring flowers, not dusty)

2. Coral  

Let's talk placement.

There are a million theories on how to apply blush.  Again, let's keep it simple.

Smile and apply to the apples of your cheeks, gently blending up your cheekbone towards your temple.  The concentration of color should be on the apples of your cheeks.

I was once asked: "Blush or Bronzer?" and my response: BOTH.

This is spot on!